Getting to Know You
Band Name: Famous Strangers
Number of Members: 4
Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta
Year Formed: 2024
Genre: Hard Rock / Metal
Latest Release: Deep Star (Video), LSC (Song)
Influences: Judas Priest, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Tool, Deftones, The Melvins, The Smalls, SNFU, Misery Signals, Strapping Young Lad, Iron Maiden
How did the band come together?
Originally, Beej (drummer) and Jeff(guitarist) started jamming songs in 2014. In 2017, we got asked to be part of a reunion show with a band called Pugnacious. This brought me and the drummer to our bass player, Braden. From there, we started an instrumental project. With this we were always writing and playing together in some form or another.
Once that ended, we started a cover band, Braden, Brian, and I, a year or so later we invited Amanda out to come sing some covers. She came out to have some fun, and the second jam with that, we introduced her to an original song. She fell in love with it, and the band formed from then. It was that simple. The chemistry was there from day one.
What is your proudest moment to date?
When everybody in the band came together and said, “Let’s do this seriously.” That was the real turning point. Also, for us, a big one was opening up for Three Inches of Blood, and our first hometown show opening up for Danko Jones. Those moments hit different when it’s your own city.
What are the challenges of being an independent band?
Everything is very costly and it’s all out of our own pockets. Studio time, videos, merch, touring… all of it comes from us. Limited resources, and everything is DIY. But it’s honestly a very important thing to be able to do, and a great learning and growing experience. You learn every side of the business when there’s nobody else to hand it off to. We actually love being an independent band. Much respect to all out there!!
What are your views on the impact of streaming on bands?
There’s good and bad to everything. It’s very nice that you can share your music across the globe instantly, and it makes it very easy for people to access your music and your band. From a visibility standpoint, it’s a huge tool. However, the value of what your music goes for, and to be able to sell potential CDs or get paid for your music, is very limited. The artist never gets enough. You can have thousands of streams and still not cover the cost of recording the song.
What’s next for the band?
We’re doing a full-length, seven-song record coming out in the summer of 2026. The single for that record and the video will be coming out in April. After that, it’s all about getting out there. We want to tour, tour, tour as much as possible. That’s always been the goal… write the music, record it, and then take it to as many stages as we can.
Six of the Best
Jeff:
Strapping Young Lad – Metal – Vancouver, BC, Canada
Favourite Release: Alien
The Smalls – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Favourite Release: Waste & Tragedy
Judas Priest – Birmingham UK
Favourite Release: Priest…Live!
Why they’re awesome: They’ve inspired me to be a musician. Taught me things I know. The people are very genuine, kind, and caring. They’ve inspired me since I was a child.
Amanda:
Turnstile – Punk – Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Can’t stop listening to: Never Enough
It changes constantly, but right now I am on a Turnstile kick. The way it flows so effortlessly into the next song… the transitions are epic. It’s so unpredictable. I love how chill and atmospheric they get and then hit so hard at times. I listen to that album front to back and enjoy every moment of it.
Darkher – Atmospheric Gothic Rock – West Yorkshire
Can’t stop listening to: “Ghost Tears”
This has been a song I listen to in the bath with candlelight. It sets the mood and brings me into another time. I’m in love with the dark cello that sways back and forth. Her voice almost gives me an incredible witchy vibe. It soars and bleeds and makes me feel a type of way.
The Flamingos – Pop / Doo-Wop / R&B – Chicago
Can’t stop listening to: “I Only Have Eyes for You”
This song is a cover but they do it so well. I’m obsessed with the harmonies, and because it was recorded long ago, it has that beautiful vintage sound. The lyrics are so romantic and put me in a very loving, dreamy state. It is such a vibe.
